JRU starts NCAA athletics four-peat bid with 2 golds

MANILA, Philippines – Jose Rizal University copped two gold medals to set in motion its four-peat bid in centerpiece athletics in Season 90 of the NCAA at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Friday.

Mark Harry Diones took the long jump gold in 7.27 meters while Jhon Albert Mantua captured the mint in discuss throw in 39.94 to jumpstart the Heavy Bombers bid to clinch their third track and field crown.

Diones, 22, improved on his bronze medal finish last season and is expected to go out with a bang on his last season with the Kalentong-based school.

"I just want a graceful exit before I graduate next month," said the 5-11 Libmanan, Camarines Sur native in Filipino.

Finishing second was Jose Rizal teammate Domingo Cabradilla, Jr., who settled for the silver after a gold medal effort a year back.

Perpetual Help's Thom Jasper copped the bronze.

Mantua, for his part, heaved a 39.94m to beat Carlo Caong (39.24) and Ryan Kenneth Penao (38.11).

"So far, so good," said Jose Rizal's Management Committee representative Paul Supan said.

St. Benilde's Anfernee Lopena shared the spotlight after he retained the 100-m dash gold in 10.83 seconds, besting San Sebastian's Jomar Udtohan (11.00) and Daniel Noval (11.14).

In the juniors division, Emilio Aguinaldo College's Kenneth Paul Rafanan won the discus throw gold in 39.04, Jonel Gobotia the 2000-m steeplechase in 6:23.42, Ryan Ornales long jump in 6.79 m and San Beda's Ezra Gonzales in the 100ms in 11.35.